Smithy Part 2

See, I went and got distracted when I wrote my last post. I completely forgot to add my thoughts as to why the windows were so low. After searching through the Internet for other pictures of blacksmiths I realized not all blacksmith windows were made so low. Some shops were in the shape of barns with windows not only along the sides but at the top as well.

As I’m sure you can imagine, the temperatures inside the blacksmith can make a hot, humid Kansas day in June feel like a blistering cold day in icy January day.

And the smithy didn’t shut down in extreme heat.

Not when wagon wheels could break on any day of the year, not to mention all the other items needed, during the warmer months, when homes and businesses were most likely built.

My theory on why these windows were built so low; hot air rises. If ventilation (open windows) were lower, this would ideally propel the hot air out of the already extremely hot smithy. Of course, my theory could be totally wrong. I’m sure many factors come into play such as the temperatures outside along with the humidity.